Tag Archives: Types of Blogs

Post navigation

A few weeks ago, I wrote a post on The Only 3 Blogs that YOU will Really REMEMBER. While I presented the Reader’s view on what kind of blog posts a reader usually remembers, I now look at the other side of the coin. The blogger’s view….

I entered the world of blogging in March, 2010. In the past 2 years, I have read zillions of blogs on diverse topics from diverse individuals. Of course, they have all had a diverse impact of me – I have learnt from some, laughed at some, gone back wiser after reading with some, pondered a lot after reading some, some touched a deep emotional chord, some I did not understand (Either they were too complex for me OR they were written in a fashion that was beyond my literary comprehension) and some I just did not feel like reading (Either too long or too boring or just not my taste…)

Today, as I step back and analyze the different types of blogs and logically categorize them, I realized that there were ONLY 5 types of BLOGS..

1) Blogs which are about what YOU THINK
2) Blogs which are about what YOU KNOW
3) Blogs which are about what YOU DO
4) Blogs which are about what YOU FEEL
5) Combination blogs – Which combine two / more of the above 4

In this post, I will elaborate on each of these, and highlight specific posts which I was able to recall with amazing clarity and what were the key characteristics of these blogs which stood out.

1) Blogs which are about what YOU THINK
These are blogs in which you write about your thoughts. When a blogger blogs about his / her own thoughts – it is usually exclusive, unique and personal; and most importantly, it has the power to make a reader also think.

Majority of the blogs that I have visited have at least 20% of posts published on what the blogger thinks. But in general, the categories of blogs which are primarily about the bloggers thoughts ONLY are probably those by film critics, economists, financial advisors, academicians, researchers, scientists, politicians, self-help gurus, spiritual leaders, professional services blogs – be it marketing, technology, etc.

If you blog about your thoughts, you typically are able to attract a diverse set of readers. Simply because many readers are usually interested in what fellow bloggers think. If you’re already an online or offline celebrity, then you are able to attract a global reader base as people are interested in knowing and learning about what you really think.

2) Blogs which are about what YOU KNOW
These are blogs in which you write about things you know – either by virtue of the theoretical knowledge you have or because you have had a real-life experiences which contributed to your knowledge, comprehension and realization on a specific subject

In terms of categories, the cookery blogs are a classic example. Take a detailed look at Alana Lowes blog or Aparna’s blog – They combine knowledge of their core skill which is cooking, and supplement it with the power of photography to showcase what they know (and of course what they do with what they know)

If you blog about what you know, then the kind of readers you typically attract will be those who have a specific interest in knowing or learning about the specific subjects you blog about – either because it has some relevance in their professional or personal context OR they are just curious to learn or know more on the subject.

3) Blogs which are about what YOU DO
These are blogs in which you primarily write about things which you do as a part of your personal or professional life.

In my personal experience, the best examples of posts in this category are the Photography blogs. Take a look at Darren Rowse photography school blog or Kristie Hines photography blog to see what I mean. Other examples are the blogs on social good and social welfare which primarily showcase the work done towards a specific cause, marketing blogs, technology blogs or even several corporate blogs, etc.

If you blog mostly about what you do, then the kind of readers you typically attract will be those who have a specific interest in knowing or learning about the specific subjects you blog about – either because it has some relevance in their professional or personal context OR they are just curious to learn or know more on the subject.
NOTE: There sometimes is a thin difference between what you know and what you do – simply because many times we tend to do things that we know primarily, but its important to understand that there is a difference

4) Blogs which are about what YOU FEEL
These are blogs in which you write about what you feel. And these are very powerful posts because they are based on your own human emotions; and hence have the potential and power to get a reader to feel…

In terms of specific category, the Mommy / Parenting blogs stand out. If you read them, they usually are very personal, expressive and are able to stir / evoke your emotions – They are written from the heart and touch your heart. I’m yet to come across any mommy / parenting blog that did not make me emotional. The point is that most of these blogs are about a women’s / parent’s personal journey and hence they are written from the heart. And invariably, they have the power and potential to touch your heart.

If you blog about your emotions, you typically are able to attract a reader base who has / is experiencing similar emotions – And probably want to learn about how you dealt with these emotions or sometimes just to feel that they are not alone in experiencing these emotions.

5) Combination blogs – Which combine two / more of the above 4
These are blogs in which you combine two or more of the following – What you know? What you do? What you think? And What you feel? .. Most blogs I come across are usually of this type. And they are undoubtedly my personal favorites.

When I objectively looked at why this post had this effect, the following things stood out:
1) The title – You just can’t miss it! I know I read this post for the first time on a very busy day at work when I was working to meet a deadline I had already missed. That’s how compelling the title was! And once I read the post, I was glad that I did read it!
2) The articulation – It is so beautifully written and it is evident that Lisa has written it straight from her heart
3) It is a classic example of a combination blog in which Lisa has written about What she knew? What she thought? What she felt? And also what she did?
4) Most importantly, there was a message which Lisa conveyed – which was so positive and inspirational to any reader

If most of your posts fall in this category, you will typically be able to attract a diverse set of readers, enjoy your blogging journey and be able to keep at blogging for the long haul.

Ending with Nischala’s Pearls of Wisdom:
• Based on the type of the blog posts you choose to write, you will be able to control and influence the following
o The title of the blog posts
o The content on your blog
o The kind of readers that your blog attracts
o The larger impact of your blog in the life of your readers – both in the personal and professional context

• In all my blogging experience, I have found that the REAL and MOST PROFOUND impact of a blog is when you write a combination post including elements of What you know? What you do? What you feel? and What you think? .. And if one of those elements is What you think? OR What you feel? – The greater is the power to influence and have an impact..

• Most importantly, if you write from your heart and it touches someone else’s heart – That is the real testimonial for your success as a blogger – Because it takes complete command on your literary skills, creativity in expression, courage in articulation, control on your emotions and conclusion on your thoughts …

And this is a gift endowed on a select few…
So if you are one of those gifted few, do leverage your gift for a larger GOOD!
And if you have found a blogger who you believe has achieved this level of MASTERY; do continue to read their blogs!

Leave a comment to let me know which blog posts have had a REAL IMPACT on your thoughts and your life….